When I am not training, I usually don’t use a GPS watch. I use my phone if I want to see how long or far I ran (and the stop watch feature if I want to see how fast). My least favorite thing about running with my phone is that it does not fit in my pocket anymore (anything after the iPhone 4 is way too large to put in my pocket without my shorts falling down), BUT I like having my phone in case I get lost or in case of an emergency at home and because I never turn down a chance to take picture of myself (#

A few months back, I read a great review of theTimex Ironman One GPS+ watch and was jealous that I didn’t have one. The features that I loved were the phone-free messaging and the SOS alert. The stars aligned last month and I was given the opportunity to review one of my own 🙂 If you stick with me here (it’s long but I tried to lay it out in an understandable format), you can WIN one for yourself as well!

The box came with a charger and a small booklet of instructions. I charged the watch overnight (it actually only needs about an hour to get a full charge but I got home late from work and was going to bed). The next morning before my run, I turned the watch on and followed the prompts for the setup (create an account online and authenticate and pair the watch to the account via code given on both the site and the watch). It was simple and only took about 10 minutes.

I decided to take the watch for a run without reading the directions and it was super easy to use. Menu –> Tap the running man –> Tap Start. I cannot stress this next fact enough: the GPS was INSTANT. As in, no waiting, no walking around aimlessly and waving your arm around hoping for a satellite (just admit you’ve done it).

The features I noted during my first run:

>>The watch is not small. It’s actually rather large. However, it is light and the size did not bother me.

>>The screen is bright. It actually got brighter in the sun.

So far, so good.

I wanted to really learn how to use the rest of the features of the Timex Ironman One GPS+ (since that is why I wanted the watch in the first place) so I sat down one night and read through the website FAQ section and then the instruction manual (online). I will admit that some were easy but some were a bit time-consuming to learn how to utilize (and set up).

The screen: It’s bright. It’s great. It is mostly easy to use but there is a learning curve. You have to swipe to get through the screens but the first handful of times I attempted it (seems easy right?), I had to try again. You definitely need to apply some pressure with the swipe.

Workout Selection: In the “running man” section,you can choose from an array of workouts from a basic timed (or distance) run to an interval workout or you can use the stopwatch or walk feature. As I stated above, the satellite connection was speedy and I found the pace and distance seemed to be very accurate (I mapped online for comparison after the first two runs). I also tested the interval feature. It allows you to select a warmup duration, a specific interval workout and a cooldown duration. It gives the option to do intervals based on time as well as distance (and in miles or kilometers). It vibrated and beeped when it was time to start and stop each interval and also auto-paused during breaks. Thumbs up.

Sharing: During the setup, you can select from a variety of social media platforms for workout sharing (Facebook, Strava, Run Keeper to name a few). When each workout is finished, you can upload (or delete if you want to forget it happened) and it will send you an email of the workout and the stats and it will also share to the platform you selected. The phone-free connectivity is pretty stellar. From the company re: the technology that makes this possible: This is powered by a Qualcomm processor that provides wireless connectivity.

Music: When I was trying to add music to the watch (you can listen with bluetooth wireless headphones or a bluetooth speaker), I plugged the watch in and nothing happened. I tried the FAQ section of the website and it directed me to the online manual (which was unfortunately a broken link). I was still confused so I googled and found the below YouTube video to be very helpful. If you don’t feel like watching, the device connects tot he computer as an external hard drive. I dragged and dropped music from iTunes and then it was able to sync up. Once that was complete and my headphones were paired (this can be done through the settings –> bluetooth section), it worked very well! FYI: The watch can store up to 4GB of music (approx. 1,000 songs).

Messaging: The messaging feature is great when you receive a message (anyone can send a message to your watch by sending an email to your Timex provided username (for example, mine is ashleycb47@onegpsplus.com). Replying to messages, on the other hand, is interesting.

Going clockwise: I sent myself an email and it popped up on the phone within a few seconds. I selected the email and hit the arrow to reply. You are given two options, “select message” for preset replies or “create message” to send your own. You can see in the last tow pictures how it can be time-consuming to type your own. It is done letter by letter.

I do think it is what it is and is currently the best option out there to be able to contact others without your phone (and when typing with one hand).

NOTE: you may notice the screen of the watch is cracked. It happened this morning (Monday 9/14) right before I needed to take a few final pictures for this post. Jennie went into the living room, took the watch off the charger and carried it into the kitchen and dropped it when she was attempting to hand it to me. It cracked and the corner and bottom shattered a bit. I was pretty upset. I question the durability considering it fell less than 24 inches. I have a request in with Timex to hopefully get it fixed (because I really do love it and want to continue to use it)! I will report back after I hear back from them. Moving on.

Contacts: You can add contacts for messaging purposes as well as using the SOS and live tracking features. Live tracking seems cool for a race and the SOS feature seems great if the person is there to receive it). Anyway, you can add contacts online through the portal or on the watch. As I said above, typing on the watch isn’t the easiest so I would suggest doing it online. Note: You have to give permission for live tracking so choose wisely.

In full disclosure, the watch has other features that I didn’t try out including bluetooth connectivity to a heart rate monitor and a foot pod for counting steps and an alarm clock. I also haven’t tried it during any inclement weather (but not to worry, it can get wet).

I’ll conclude by saying that I really like the watch (and hope to get it fixed). I am excited to continue to use it (even when I slow down to a waddle) and to really dive into the functionality and the data when the time comes to train for another race! It retails for $199 (adding HR monitor increases the price). I think that is rather reasonable considering the features and the connectivity options (it comes loaded with 1 year of data through AT&T, after the first year it is $40/yr).

Thanks for reading, I hope the review helps.

Now the reason why you are all here: the giveaway. If you want to try the Timex Ironman ONE GPS+ for yourself, please enter below 🙂 The giveaway is open to residents of the United States only. The giveaway will end at midnight, Thursday, September 17. I will contact the winner by email and the winner will have 48 hours to respond. If I don’t hear back, another participant will be selected.

Disclosure: Runner’s World connected me with Mizuno, who provided me with a pair of Mizuno Enigma 5 shoes to test free of charge. I also received additional compensation in exchange for testing, talking about and reviewing the shoes. Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own.

I have been sort of lost in the running shoe world lately. My beloved Mizuno Elixir were discontinued and I ran both pairs that I had into the ground. I asked many different people where I should go from there. I wanted a shoe that was comfortable and supportive for everyday mileage (whether I plan on running 3 miles or 12 miles) and that will hold up when I begin to train for a half marathon toward the end of the summer. I have been rotating old shoes until I find a replacement.

The folks at Runner’s World must have known I was in need of some running shoe guidance and sent me an email offering me an opportunity to review the Mizuno Wave Enigma 5. Impeccable timing, amiright?

First, the stats from the company:

I will start with the Wave Technology (because this is the foundation of every pair of Mizuno running shoes on the market).Inspired by nature (think tidal waves), the midsole is designed to dissipate impact forces away from the foot for a smoother, more cushioned feel on every step.

The Wave Enigma 5 is the newest member of Mizuno’s neutral collection equipped with Smoothride Engineering (think rocking-chair-like motion in every step and a bouncy feel at the midsole).

Next, my feelings:

My initial feeling was that it was a lot of shoe. They are about an ounce heavier than what I am used to. There is no doubt that when you put them on you can feel the cushion. They have a “walking on a cloud” type of feel.

I have been wearing them for a handful of weeks for now for every single workout. I wanted to give them a good test and see where they fit into the rotation. I put about 50 miles on them. Those miles included short runs, speed workouts, and long runs. I also wore them to the gym for strength workouts and wore them when I took Jennie for walks with the stroller.

Most. awkward. arm. swing. ever.

She’s jealous that she doesn’t have a pair.

I really like them. Even though I get the “a lot of shoe” feeling when I put them on, I never feel it when I am running. After about a week of wearing them, I found my stride easily and each step seamlessly rolled into the next. The comfort level is out of this world. I have wide feet and while the fit was “glove-like” the toe box did not feel too restrictive (but it definitely feels more narrow than the Sayonara or Wave Rider or Elixir). The laces are extra stretchy, not the typical material (I know it is a weird thing to notice) and never came undone, which is a problem I face quite frequently. The upper is mesh and breathable. My feet never felt suffocated or too sweaty while running in this darling 1000000% humidity (so. much. frizz). Another important feature for us vain folk is that the Enigma 5 is aesthetically pleasing when you need a break from neon. #winning

#Ups

Result: I will definitely continue to wear them for easy running and longer distances. Although they were fine for speedwork, I feel more comfortable in a very light, flat shoe. For reference, I wear the Mizuno Wave Musha for speed and racing (unfortunately these were also discontinued but mine still have some life in them, thankfully).

The problem with gambling is that you ALWAYS think you are going to win. I ALWAYS think I will be dealt a blackjack and I ALWAYS think the roulette wheel will land on 9 and I ALWAYS think that I will ‘Win For Life” on scratch offs. I had the same feeling last Thursday when I was entered to win a Zero Runner from Octane Fitness. I just expected to hear my name called as the winner of this glorious fitness machine. When I didn’t hear my name, I was irrationally disappointed and upset.

Let me back up a lot.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend an event hosted by Octane Fitness featuring their Zero Runner machine. I knew of Octane because I used to use their seated elliptical when I was out of commission many years ago and I was excited to see this machine I had heard of on Runner’s World! At first glance, it looked very similar to an elliptical (though not as large) but it moved differently. When I first walked in, a man was testing the machine (completely unrelated to the event). Before learning any specifics, I immediately noticed the movements replicated real running motion without the user having ever touched the ground. The goal of the Zero Runner is just that: allow the real running motion with all of the natural feels without any impact and stress to the body.

I was completely engrossed during the entire presentation. I wanted and needed to learn more and once I did, I needed this machine (see first paragraph).

We listened to the Executive VP of Octane, Tim Porth, Olympian Carrie Tollefson and brand ambassador, Larry Schmidt (a seasoned Ironman triathlete and ultra-marathoner whose enthusiasm for running and life and love made me want to put him in my pocket, #cuteaggression).

Highlights:

The goal of the Zero Runner is to extend your running career by helping users be more efficient, run faster and longer and to remain injury free.

There is a hip and knee-joint that allows you to replicate your outdoor stride. You have full range of motion and can run at the same pace.

It comes with built-in technology that helps you analyze your gait and there is also a free app with strength and flexibility workouts and explanations of why they are helpful.

It is cordless and SILENT. There is no motor.

The machine provides quality conditioning even when muscles are fatigued.

My favorite part of the event was when Carrie spoke. She discussed all of her injuries and that if a machine like the Zero Runner existed when she was a professional runner, she truly believes that her career could have been extended. She also noted that the Zero Runner would be great for pregnancy and postpartum recovery. When I hear something that I can relate to, I am hooked. I have been injured and you all know I had a hard time getting back to running after I gave birth. Knowing there is an another option (besides sitting around and sulking about how much running hurts) makes me hopeful for the next time!

I am really impressed with (and sad that I didn’t win) the Zero Runner. Because it retails for $3299 and I have to buy Jennie diapers, I know I won’t be purchasing one anytime soon but I do hope they find their way to my gym in the next few years!

Have you heard of the Zero Runner? Is it something you would like to try? If so, what feature is most attractive?

Meet Ashley

Welcome to Running Bun! I am Ashley, a working-mom who loves running and training for races, attempting yoga inversions, a strong cocktail, and a good dose of sarcasm. This blog is where I share a lot of random thoughts about the above with some parenting woes mixed in for good measure.